Predatory
Guides
Chrysopilus
snipe flies
Chrysopilus is a diverse genus of snipe flies in the family Rhagionidae, comprising approximately 300 species with worldwide distribution across all biogeographical regions. The genus includes both extant and fossil species, with some fossil members preserved in amber. Several species exhibit metallic scaling on the exoskeleton, giving adults a distinctive appearance. Larval development occurs in moist, decaying organic substrates including rotting wood and damp soil.
Cicindela columbica
Columbia River tiger beetle
Cicindela columbica is a tiger beetle endemic to Idaho, United States, known as the Columbia River tiger beetle. The species is critically endangered, with its range now restricted to the Lower Salmon River system following extirpation from Oregon and Washington due to dam construction on the Columbia River. It inhabits sand bars and river beaches where it hunts smaller arthropods.
Clarkhydrus
Clarkhydrus is a genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae, established in 2018 by Fery & Ribera. The genus was erected to accommodate species previously placed in related genera within the subtribe Deronectina. As a member of the subfamily Hydroporinae, these beetles are small to medium-sized aquatic predators. The genus is relatively recently described, and research on its species-level diversity and ecology is ongoing.
Cleroidea
Bark-gnawing, Checkered, and Soft-winged Flower Beetles
Cleroidea is a superfamily of beetles comprising over 10,000 species across approximately 24 families. Members are generally slender with soft, flexible elytra and typically bear hairy or scaly integuments. The superfamily exhibits diverse feeding strategies: predation (Cleridae, Trogossitinae), pollen/nectar consumption (melyrid lineage), and fungivory (many Trogossitidae and smaller families). Aposematic coloration occurs in some groups, particularly Cleridae and Malachiinae, mimicking unpalatable arthropods such as blister beetles, net-winged beetles, and stinging Hymenoptera.
Condylostylus banksii
Condylostylus banksii is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Van Duzee in 1914. Like other members of its genus, it is a small, predatory fly typically found in sunny, vegetated habitats. The species exhibits the family's characteristic metallic coloration and elongated legs. Species-level identification within Condylostylus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus
longlegged fly
Condylostylus nigrofemoratus is a species of longlegged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by its predatory behavior and typical dolichopodid morphology. Members of this genus are commonly encountered in gardens and along forest edges. The species was described by Walker in 1849. Like other dolichopodids, it is a small, agile predator of other small insects.
Condylostylus tonsus
long-legged fly
Condylostylus tonsus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by metallic coloration and elongated legs. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory fly active in sunny habitats. Species identification within Condylostylus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Cophura vandykei
Cophura vandykei is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Wilcox in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Brachyrhopalinae. Robber flies are predatory dipterans known for their agile flight and ability to capture other insects in mid-air. The species epithet honors the entomologist H.H. Van Dyke.
Crematogaster
Acrobat Ants, Cocktail Ants, Saint Valentine Ants
Crematogaster is a large, ecologically diverse genus of ants with over 520 described species distributed worldwide. The genus is characterized by a distinctive heart-shaped gaster that can be raised forward over the thorax and head when alarmed, a behavior that has earned them the common names "cocktail ants" and "acrobat ants." Most species are arboreal, though some are ground-nesting. They exhibit complex social behaviors including cooperative hunting, trail-based recruitment, and defensive venom spraying.
Cucujidae
flat bark beetles
The Cucujidae are a family of beetles characterized by strongly flattened bodies adapted for living under bark. The family contains approximately 70 species in five genera, distributed worldwide except Africa and Antarctica. Members are primarily found in subcortical habitats on dead trees, where both larvae and adults are predatory. Some species exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations, including extreme freezing tolerance in arctic populations.
Curicta
water scorpion
Curicta is a genus of aquatic insects in the family Nepidae, commonly known as water scorpions. Members of this genus are predatory true bugs found in freshwater habitats. The genus was established by Stål in 1861 and is placed in the tribe Curictini within the subfamily Nepinae. Curicta scorpio is one documented species, with records extending from Central to South America.
Cybister
Giant Diving Beetles
Cybister is a genus of large predaceous diving beetles (Dytiscidae) distributed across all continents except Antarctica. Adults range up to 43 mm in length, with some species among the largest diving beetles. The genus comprises approximately 98 species organized into four subgenera. Both adults and larvae are aquatic predators, with larvae of some species known to prey on vertebrates including tadpoles and small fish.
Cyrtopogon callipedilus
Cyrtopogon callipedilus is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Loew in 1874. As a member of the genus Cyrtopogon, it belongs to a group of predatory flies characterized by their distinctive hunting behavior and morphology. The species has been documented in the western United States, with observations recorded in Colorado. Like other robber flies, it is presumed to be an aerial predator of other insects.
Cyrtopogon leptotarsus
Cyrtopogon leptotarsus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) first described by Curran in 1923. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises small to medium-sized robber flies commonly found in North America. Like other members of the family, this species is likely predatory, though specific behavioral and ecological details remain poorly documented. The species has been recorded from limited observations, with only four documented occurrences on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Cyrtopogon longimanus
Cyrtopogon longimanus is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) described by Loew in 1874. The genus Cyrtopogon belongs to the diverse asilid fauna of North America. Robber flies in this genus are predatory insects that hunt other arthropods. The specific epithet 'longimanus' refers to long forelegs, a trait that may relate to prey capture or perching behavior.
Cyrtopogon marginalis
Shiny-edged Bandit
Cyrtopogon marginalis is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae), commonly known as the Shiny-edged Bandit. Robber flies are predatory insects that capture other arthropods in flight. This species belongs to the genus Cyrtopogon, a group of robber flies found primarily in North America. The specific epithet 'marginalis' likely refers to distinctive marginal markings on the wings or body edges, a common naming pattern in this genus.
Cyrtopogon sabroskyi
Cyrtopogon sabroskyi is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, described by Lavigne and Bullington in 1981. The genus Cyrtopogon comprises predatory flies that hunt other insects in flight. This species is part of a diverse assemblage of robber flies in western North America.
Cyta
snout mites
Cyta is a genus of snout mites in the family Bdellidae, comprising approximately 15 described species. These mites belong to the order Trombidiformes and are characterized by their distinctive elongated snout-like mouthparts. They are predatory mites found in various terrestrial habitats across northern Europe and the British Isles.
Deraeocorini
Deraeocorini is a tribe of predatory plant bugs within the family Miridae, containing at least 19 genera and over 340 described species. Members of this tribe are generally small, soft-bodied true bugs. The tribe is distributed across multiple continents, with documented species in regions including Indochina, Europe, and North America. Some species have been observed in specialized microhabitats such as leaf galls.
Deraeocoris
Deraeocoris is a genus of predatory plant bugs in the family Miridae, comprising at least 210 described species. Members of this genus are recognized as important biological control agents in agricultural and horticultural systems, feeding on pest arthropods including mites, aphids, and psyllids. Several species have been documented in orchard ecosystems, particularly in apple and pear production. The genus exhibits variation in host plant associations and developmental rates depending on substrate and prey availability.
Dermaptera
Earwigs
Earwigs comprise the insect order Dermaptera, with approximately 2,000 species in 12 families. They are distinguished by forceps-like cerci at the abdomen tip and hindwings folded beneath short forewings, giving rise to the order name meaning 'skin wings.' Most species are nocturnal, hiding in dark moist places during daylight. While some groups are tiny parasites lacking typical pincers, the majority are free-living and found on all continents except Antarctica.
Dicranota
Dicranota is a genus of crane flies (Diptera: Pediciidae) established by Zetterstedt in 1838. The genus contains multiple subgenera, including Eudicranota and Rhaphidolabis. Species occur across the Northern Hemisphere, with documented records from Europe, Korea, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Larvae are aquatic and predatory, inhabiting cold, clean streams and springs.
Dinothrombium
Giant Velvet Mites, Red Velvet Mites
Dinothrombium is a genus of large predatory mites in the family Trombidiidae, commonly called giant velvet mites. Adults are among the largest mites in the world, with some species reaching 12–14 mm in body length. They are fossorial, spending most of their lives underground in soil or sand, and emerge only after heavy rainfall. Their bright red coloration appears to serve an aposematic function, warning predators of their chemical defenses.
Dolania americana
American Sand-burrowing Mayfly
Dolania americana is a predacious, sand-burrowing mayfly and the sole species in the genus Dolania. Adults exhibit an exceptionally brief lifespan, emerging before dawn, mating, and dying within approximately thirty minutes. Females deposit eggs in water and die within five minutes of emergence, representing the shortest known adult lifespan among mayflies. The species has a two-year life cycle with synchronous mass emergence and specialized reproductive adaptations including large, energy-rich eggs that produce unusually large first-instar larvae.
Dolichopus
long-legged flies
Dolichopus is the largest genus in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising over 600 species worldwide. Adults are small flies, typically less than 8 mm in length, with nearly all species exhibiting metallic greenish-blue to greenish-bronze coloration. The genus name derives from Greek words meaning 'long foot,' referring to the elongated legs characteristic of its species. Members of this genus are predatory on other small insects and display complex courtship behaviors involving specialized leg ornaments in males.
Dolichopus albiciliatus
Dolichopus albiciliatus is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1862. Members of the genus Dolichopus are characterized by elongated legs and often metallic coloration. As with other dolichopodids, adults are predatory on small insects.
Dolichopus brevimanus
A species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, characterized by relatively short male fore tarsi compared to other Dolichopus species. The specific epithet "brevimanus" (short-handed) refers to this reduced ornamentation on the male front feet. Like other members of its genus, it is predatory on small insects. Species identification in Dolichopus generally requires examination of male genitalia.
Dolichopus funditor
Dolichopus funditor is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, first described by Loew in 1861. Members of this genus are known for their elongated legs, metallic coloration, and predatory habits. Males possess specialized scales on the front tarsi that function in courtship displays. Like other dolichopodids, this species likely inhabits moist environments and exhibits rapid, agile movement.
Dolichopus setifer
Dolichopus setifer is a species of long-legged fly in the family Dolichopodidae, described by Loew in 1861. As a member of the genus Dolichopus, it shares traits with other species in this group, including elongated legs and predatory habits. Adults are typically found in moist habitats near water. The species has been documented in 46 iNaturalist observations, indicating it is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists.
Downeshelea
Downeshelea is a genus of predaceous biting midges in the family Ceratopogonidae, tribe Ceratopogonini. The genus was established by Wirth and Grogan based on the Monohelea multilineata species group and currently comprises over 60 species worldwide, with approximately 46 species in the Neotropics. Adult females are predatory, feeding primarily on adult Chironomidae, and may contribute to biological control of pest populations in agricultural settings.
Dromius
Dromius is a genus of small arboreal ground beetles in the family Carabidae, comprising approximately 108 species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, Near East, and North Africa. Members of this genus are characterized by their tree-dwelling habits, inhabiting trunks and bark of deciduous and coniferous trees rather than ground-level environments. The genus includes the well-studied species Dromius quadrimaculatus, known as the Great Four-spot Treerunner, which has served as a model for understanding canopy-dwelling carabid ecology.
Ectatomminae
Ectaheteromorph Ants
Ectatomminae is a subfamily of ants established in 2003 when Barry Bolton divided the former Ponerinae into six subfamilies. It currently comprises two tribes (Ectatommini and Heteroponerini) with approximately 13 extant genera and three extinct genera. The subfamily was further consolidated in 2022 when Heteroponerinae was merged into Ectatomminae, and this taxonomic position was upheld by genomic reanalysis in 2024. Members are primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in the Neotropics.
Efferia aestuans
Northeastern Hammertail
Efferia aestuans is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae) native to eastern North America. It is one of the more commonly encountered members of the genus Efferia in its range. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size, with females larger than males. Originally described by Linnaeus in 1763 as Asilus aestuans, it has undergone several taxonomic revisions before its current placement in Efferia.
Efferia tricella
Silver Hammertail
Efferia tricella is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae, commonly known as the Silver Hammertail. Robber flies in the genus Efferia are predatory insects known for their robust build, large eyes, and aggressive hunting behavior. The species was described by Bromley in 1951. Like other Asilidae, it is presumed to be an aerial predator that captures other insects in flight.
Elytroleptus apicalis
Elytroleptus apicalis is a longhorned beetle species in the family Cerambycidae, described by LeConte in 1884. The species is a documented lycid beetle mimic and has been recorded as predaceous on its own lycid models (family Lycidae), making it one of only three Elytroleptus species known to exhibit this behavior. The genus Elytroleptus contains fifteen species distributed across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Emesa
thread-legged bugs
Emesa is a small genus of thread-legged bugs (subfamily Emesinae) in the assassin bug family Reduviidae. The genus was established by Fabricius in 1803 and contains only four described species. Members of this genus share the characteristic elongated, slender bodies and extremely long legs typical of Emesinae.
Empicoris culiciformis
thread-legged assassin bug
Empicoris culiciformis is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its delicate build and raptorial forelegs. The species has a Holarctic distribution spanning Europe, the Palearctic, North Africa, and North America. It is rarely encountered due to its cryptic lifestyle in concealed habitats.
Empicoris winnemana
thread-legged bug
Empicoris winnemana is a species of thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by McAtee & Malloch in 1925. It is native to North America. Like other members of the genus Empicoris, it is characterized by exceptionally slender, elongated legs adapted for predation on small insects. The species is poorly documented in scientific literature, with limited observational records.
Eremocosta striata
windscorpion
Eremocosta striata is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae. Like other solifuges, it is a fast-moving, predatory arachnid with large chelicerae. The species has been recorded from both North America and Middle America. Windscorpions are not true scorpions and lack a stinger; they are also not spiders, though they share the class Arachnida with both groups.
Eremothera sculpturata
windscorpion, sun spider, camel spider
Eremothera sculpturata is a species of solifuge (windscorpion) in the family Eremobatidae, described by Muma in 1951. It belongs to a group of arachnids commonly known as windscorpions, sun spiders, or camel spiders—fast-moving, predatory arachnids that are not true scorpions despite their common name. The species is part of the North American fauna of solifuges, which are primarily nocturnal and adapted to arid and semi-arid environments.
Erythrothrips
Erythrothrips is a genus of predatory thrips in the family Aeolothripidae, established by Moulton in 1911. The genus contains approximately 11 described species distributed primarily in the Americas, with species recorded from the southwestern United States through Mexico to Brazil. Members of this genus are predatory, placing them among the beneficial thrips that contribute to biological control of pest insects.
Erythrothrips keeni
Erythrothrips keeni is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae, described by Moulton in 1929. As a member of Aeolothripidae, it belongs to a family characterized by predatory feeding habits. The species is known from North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. Only two observations are recorded in iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis
Eucyrtopogon diversipilosis is a species of robber fly (Asilidae) described by Curran in 1923. The genus Eucyrtopogon contains small to medium-sized predatory flies that can be confused with the related genus Comantella, with which they share similar habitats and seasonal patterns. Very little specific information has been published regarding the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Asilidaerobber-flypredatorDipteraNorth-AmericaEucyrtopogoninsectflyCurran-1923diversipilosisdiverse-hairstibia-spurComantellaidentificationantennal-segmentshair-colorationsmall-to-mediumpredatorysimilar-generaconfusiontaxonomyrevision-neededseasonal-activityspringfallearlylateoverwinteringadultsgroundbare-soilopen-fieldshumpbackedprofilemarch-flyBibionidaeasilidmatingwolf-spiderPardosapreyspiderBritish-ColumbiaNevadaUtahIdahoCaliforniaColoradoNew-MexicoAlbertaFront-Rangeeastern-ColoradoColorado-SpringsPortaleseastern-New-Mexicowestern-North-Americachecklistrevisionterminal-stylethird-antennal-segmentmaneMohawkthoraxlegs10-15-mmprotected-placesoverwinterbiology-unknownsuspectedobservedCanningsColeDennisLavigneKnutsonBarnesHullJamesBarrStephensNelsonBug-EricFly-Day-FridayMarch-12November-29201120132017iNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-Lifeacceptedexact-match1-observationsparse-datainferred-contentconservativefactualclarityusefulnesscautious-languagehas-been-observedis-known-tonullunknownnot-clearly-supporteddo-not-inferdo-not-fabricatedo-not-repeatunique-contentnon-overlappingdirect-sentencesconcrete-statementshigh-level-overviewphysical-descriptiondistinguishenvironmentconditionsgeographic-rangetimingfeeding-habitsdevelopmental-stagesnotable-actionsecosystem-roleinteraction-with-humansmeaningfulimportant-additional-contextcleardirectavoid-fluffavoid-filleravoid-repeating-taxonomyavoid-technical-jargonconcretewell-supportedpartial-but-reliablestrictly-matchJSON-schemano-extra-fieldsno-commentaryentomology-guideaccurateinformativefactual-correctnesscompletenessverbosityspeculationjustifiedvague-generalizationslike-most-insectstypically-feeds-on-plantsbehaviorsdietlife-cycle-detailshost-relationshipshighmediumlowtruefalse3-5-sentencesonlyhow-to-distinguishmust-include-reasononly-if-meaningfulonly-for-important-additional-contextavoid-overly-technical-jargonEudioctria monrovia
Eudioctria monrovia is a species of robber fly (family Asilidae, subfamily Stenopogoninae) described by Wilcox and Martin in 1941. The genus Eudioctria comprises some of the smallest North American robber flies, with adults measuring only 6–8 mm in length. Species in this genus are primarily western in distribution, though a few species extend into eastern North America. Like other robber flies, members of this genus are predatory as adults.
Eupodoidea
Eupodoidea is a superfamily of soft-bodied mites in the order Trombidiformes, comprising approximately nine families and over 160 described species. These mites are primarily terrestrial and occur across diverse environments from temperate grasslands to polar regions. The superfamily exhibits varied feeding strategies, including fungivory, phytophagy, and predation. Some species are economically significant as agricultural pests.
Euthyrhynchus floridanus
Florida predatory stink bug
Euthyrhynchus floridanus, commonly known as the Florida predatory stink bug, is a carnivorous shield bug in the family Pentatomidae and the sole species in its genus. Native to tropical and semi-tropical regions of the Americas, it has expanded its range northward in recent decades due to climate warming. This beneficial insect is a generalist predator that feeds on numerous agricultural and garden pests, including caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other stink bugs. Its distinctive orange and black coloration makes it easily recognizable among predatory true bugs.
Gerromorpha
semiaquatic bugs, shore-inhabiting bugs, water striders, water measurers, velvet water bugs, water treaders, riffle bugs
Gerromorpha is an infraorder of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately eight families in four superfamilies. Members are commonly called semiaquatic or shore-inhabiting bugs, though many species are specifically adapted to exploit the water surface film. The group includes well-known taxa such as Gerridae (water striders), Hydrometridae (water measurers), Hebridae (velvet bugs), and Veliidae (riffle bugs). Gerromorphans are distributed globally and are frequently used as bioindicators of aquatic habitat quality.
Ghinallelia productilis
Ghinallelia productilis is a thread-legged bug in the assassin bug family Reduviidae, first described by Barber in 1914. The species belongs to the subfamily Emesinae, a group characterized by slender, elongated bodies and raptorial forelegs adapted for predation. It has been documented in the Caribbean and North America. Like other emesine reduviids, it likely occupies vegetation where it hunts small arthropod prey.
Gosibius intermedius
Gosibius intermedius is a centipede species in the family Lithobiidae, first described by Chamberlin in 1917. It belongs to the order Lithobiomorpha, a group commonly known as stone centipedes or lithobiomorphs. The species has been recorded from California, USA, with 36 observations documented on iNaturalist. As with other lithobiid centipedes, it is likely a predatory soil-dwelling arthropod, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Haplopoda
Haplopoda is an infraorder of branchiopod crustaceans within the order Diplostraca. It contains the single extant family Leptodoridae, represented by the genus Leptodora, commonly known as the water flea Leptodora kindtii. This group is notable for being among the largest predatory cladocerans. The infraorder is now treated as a synonym of Onychopoda in many modern classifications.